Avast Call Blocker gives iPhone users the ability to block spam and unwanted calls

REDWOOD CITY, Calif., September 26, 2016, – Avast Software, maker of the most trusted security in the world, today announced Avast Call Blocker, a new iOS application that allows privacy-conscious users to easily and effectively block unwanted calls from spammers, telemarketers and even personal phone numbers. Designed to eliminate the increasing problem of spam calls, this simple, noninvasive call-screening technology provides users with the option to either receive convenient spam warnings when a call comes from a number associated with spam, or automatic call blocking of spam numbers, without requiring users to share personal or contact information.

Spam calls are more prolific today than ever before. According to a recent survey of 3,191 U.S. Avast users, 77 percent reported receiving at least one call in the last two weeks from a spammer, telemarketer or unsolicited contact. Avast’s research shows that there are currently tens of thousands of active spam callers in the U.S. that reach 40% of phone owners in the country monthly. To make things worse, half of spammers replace their number every six months, leaving users struggling to identify callers.

Avast Call Blocker directly addresses this growing issue of spam calls, while also providing users with the ability to block personal numbers and avoid unwanted conversations. Powered by a unique spam recognition algorithm, Avast Call Blocker:

·         Warns users about spam calls before they answer, or automatically blocks the calls

·         Allows users to create a blacklist to avoid unsolicited calls and conversations from any contact

·         Protects user privacy by relying on an extensive spam phone number database and publicly available information

Unlike alternative solutions, Avast Call Blocker does not require users to provide access to personal or contact information. Instead, the app uses advanced machine learning technology to identify spam numbers which are stored in a growing database of crowd-sourced information and public resources like the Federal Communications Commission database. Avast’s intelligent algorithm detects numbers that are associated with spam and telemarketing activities by looking at their calling behavior, like the frequency and length of calls. Users are also encouraged to report new spam numbers to further refine Avast’s ever-growing database. For Avast Call Blocker, Avast is leveraging Apple’s iOS 10 update, which includes a CallKit extension, enabling third-party applications to identify callers or block incoming calls completely.

“We understand that privacy continues to be a growing concern for people around the world and that there are few solutions available to help them avoid unwanted phone calls,” says Gagan Singh, President of Mobile at Avast. “Avast Call Blocker gives iPhone users who are consistently annoyed by spam calls a practical solution to this growing problem. With convenient warnings, automatic call blocking and ‘blacklist’ feature, the app allows users to effectively block any and all unwanted calls — and it does so without sacrificing user privacy.”  

Avast Call Blocker is the latest addition to Avast’s iOS product portfolio, which includes a range of privacy, security, storage optimization and Wi-Fi utility apps.

Avast Call Blocker is a premium, subscription-based iOS app that is now in beta and available to iOS 10 users in the U.S. People interested in joining the beta group can sign up at: www.avast.com/call-blocker